As a kid I read a lot. I formed an annoying habit of re-reading books if I couldn't get new books fast enough. With the young reader generations, these days however, its not just the number of books but the advanced content of the books they are reading that amazes me. Case in point, I wasn't ready for Fight Club when I read it at 23 yet my son and his friends read most of Chuck Palahniuk's books before the end of the twelfth grade. I read on Twitter that picture books are now too often being sent back to the warehouse unopened, because parents are buying their children chapter books much earlier. (From the get-go? I hope not! I loved picture books, didn't you?)
With multiple generations of readers equipped with text laden e-readers, apps, and chapter books, it should be a simple path to follow for us authors - write great stuff - to be successful. Readers, these days, like a challenging book too, no baby talk even for the babies, I guess. I've written middle readers - and younger -chapter books, though I've tried to appeal to all ages - and entertain. I've tried to add mystery and an awakening moment or three where maybe you thought this sweet, kids' author wouldn't have plotted you through unruly legends or connected the loose threads you didn't expect to connect. I know I market to a group who's growing up quickly, however. In fact they are growing up intellectually before their Carter's wear out! As a mom, I couldn't quite handle that, so I gently reminded, 'slow down, have some fun - don't grow up - all the way - just today'. As for YA authors, they've known for a long time how grown up kids are, but I'm hoping there's enough childish play time for a little silly kid stuff before YA reading age.
With multiple generations of readers equipped with text laden e-readers, apps, and chapter books, it should be a simple path to follow for us authors - write great stuff - to be successful. Readers, these days, like a challenging book too, no baby talk even for the babies, I guess. I've written middle readers - and younger -chapter books, though I've tried to appeal to all ages - and entertain. I've tried to add mystery and an awakening moment or three where maybe you thought this sweet, kids' author wouldn't have plotted you through unruly legends or connected the loose threads you didn't expect to connect. I know I market to a group who's growing up quickly, however. In fact they are growing up intellectually before their Carter's wear out! As a mom, I couldn't quite handle that, so I gently reminded, 'slow down, have some fun - don't grow up - all the way - just today'. As for YA authors, they've known for a long time how grown up kids are, but I'm hoping there's enough childish play time for a little silly kid stuff before YA reading age.
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